City Council approves continuing in-town recycling program with assistance from volunteers

May 27, 2025 at 12:42 pm Updated: May 28th, 2025 at 1:48 am Derrick Stuckly

Local News

Cary Perrin, formerly with Keep Brownwood Beautiful, addresses the City Council regarding in-town recycling during Tuesday’s meeting.

The Brownwood City Council on Tuesday unanimously voted to continue the twice a month in-town recycling program, with assistance from volunteers.

City Manager Emily Crawford told the Council, “We discussed how we could keep in-town recycling going without it being quite as burdensome on the City staff and for cost. Basically, our cost for in-town recycling per event takes 11 man hours and costs $600. In working with the volunteer groups, they have requested to staff the drop-off trailers twice a month as we have been doing with KBB, that way City staff does not have to do the extra investment. They’ve also requested we take only one trailer instead of the three various different devices we would have because right now the quantities are so small that one trailer can be sufficient. With all that said, we will be able to reduce the City’s investment to about 2 ½ hours per event and an investment of less than $100.”

Council also approved taking the $1 donation that some contributed through their utility bill to the now defunct Keep Brownwood Beautiful organization and directing it toward the City’s Parks and Recreation Department for beautification efforts. Mayor Stephen Haynes informed those in attendance that currently that fund consists of just $218.

Also Tuesday, Council authorized the use of funds from the code enforcement fine account to purchase a 2025 John Deere 6105E Cab Tractor to be used to maintain 400-plus acres at the airport.

The City’s 2020 John Deere Tractor has a trade in value of $31,500. The cost of the new tractor with is $85,432.64. This would leave a balance of $53,932.64 to be paid. City of Brownwood Director Planning and Development Director Tim Murray stated there’s approximately $118,000 currently in the code enforcement fine account.

The following amendments to the City’s Nonconsent Towing Ordinance were passed on first reading Tuesday by the Council:

abolish the Tow Truck Committee and any appeals to the Tow Truck Committee
clarify that storage facilities for nonconsent tows shall only be facilities licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation located no greater than 5 miles from the City limits and/or a location requested and authorized by the vehicle owner or operator
amend the reasons for removal from the wrecker rotation list and revocation of a permit to provide nonconsent towing services
remove the permissible fees for nonconsent towing services established by the City and instead reference and incorporate State law which now governs the applicable fees for nonconsent tows

A second and final reading of the ordinance will take place at a future meeting.

Council also authorized the installation of a new 290 foot section of 8-foot chain link security fence at the airport by Viking Fence Company at a cost of $15,343.70 utilizing a RAMP Grant at a 90/10 split. The city’s portion will be $1,534.37.

Council also authorized the Mayor’s signature on a 10-year lease with an option for a 10-year renewal to Brownwood Area Community Garden to place a greenhouse on City property located at 1514 Dublin Street.

Also, Dr. Tom Byrd was appointed by Council as the Health Authority for the Brownwood /Brown County Health Department.

Passed on the consent agenda was the installation of a pedestrian crosswalk between Hendrick Hospital and Memorial Park at the request of the Central Texas Veterans Committee at a cost not to exceed $11,000 funded through a year-end budget amendment.

Following an executive session, Council took no action on leasing 155 acres of Pecan Station property, airport property renovations, or personnel matters regarding interviews for the City Manager position.

During the citizen comments portion of the meeting, Allen Andrews objected to the City Council’s intent to issue certificates of obligation not to exceed $18 million for Downtown Master Plan improvements. Andrews countered the City Manager’s claim that the tax rate would not be affected because the tax rates have already been increased accompanied by increases in utility rates and those funds are being used to pay for the proposed certificates of obligation. Andrews requested more transparency and integrity from public servants.

Also, Crawford recognized Assistant Fire Chief of Prevention Matt Campbell, Visitor Services Manager Tatiana Figueroa and Health and Sanitation Inspector Ashlie Simpson for their recent promotions.